*not the Lunar Control 5 - as has been mistakenly interpreted from the #LCV tag

Lunar Control Vapor - Rory McIlroy

According to the brand - a heightened level of research, development and testing for the new flagship shoe was undertaken through the summer months. Rory McIlroy personally took it upon himself to put the LCV through its paces - playing shots from all possible angles, lies and areas on a golf course on location in the Bahamas.

Having purposefully tested the shoe to the absolute limit, Rory appears to be one happy golfer: “Through its drive to innovate and bring the sport to new places, Nike has created a new traction system that provides me with a stable base to push off the ground and deliver the distance I need off the tee", he said.

The Lunar Control Vapor again makes use of the acclaimed Nike Flywire technology, full length Lunarlon cushioning and a lightweight premium microfibre upper (with two year waterproof warranty). However, the key talking point is most certainly the unique outsole - as previously seen with the Flyknit Elite golf shoes from earlier in the season.

Lunar Control Vapor - New Outsole

This "Integrated Traction" pattern could be considered as a re-design of the traditional spiked sole with protruding tooth-like tracks for the ultimate grip and traction. Said to be modelled with inspiration from the tracks of a snowmobile, the outsole of the LCV decouples the heel and lateral forefoot to propel you through the swing. The new profile brings you lower to the ground, gives you better balance and offers more points of contact for continued traction throughout the swing.

Nike's Articulated Traction disperses stud pressure to ensure they're as green friendly as the next shoe, whilst the geometry also means that increased responsive cushioning is on offer for the wearer. It's a TPU cleat-less sole; not to be confused with a rubber, off course hybrid. It's unique, it's innovative and it's the future.

Lunar Control Vapor - Nike Release

Given that Rory McIlroy is wearing the new LCV shoe at the HSBC Champions this week in China - it looks almost certain that this will be one of his key styles for 2017 and beyond. Stay tuned for news of an official Nike release date and confirmation of the key colour options available - it looks likely that early next year may bring the first drop.

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